Swedish Apple Cake Recipe
Swedish Apple Cake is a moist and tender dessert featuring layers of cinnamon-spiced batter and thinly sliced apples. This traditional cake is enhanced with warming spices like cardamom and cinnamon, offering a comforting and flavorful treat perfect for autumn or any time you crave a homey, fruity cake. The cake is baked until golden with a sugary cinnamon topping that adds a delightful crunch.
- Author: Sana
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Fruit
- 3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom (optional, but adds authentic Swedish flair)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
Topping
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan and line it with parchment paper to ensure the cake can be easily removed once baked.
- Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Set them aside while preparing the batter to keep the workflow smooth and ingredients ready.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and cardamom if using. This ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted and cooled butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and yogurt or sour cream until smooth and fully combined.
- Make the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. The batter will be thick but spreadable, so avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender.
- Layer Batter and Apples: Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Arrange half of the thin apple slices in a single layer over the batter, distributing them evenly.
- Add Remaining Batter and Apples: Dollop the remaining batter over the apples and carefully spread it to cover them completely. Arrange the remaining apple slices on top in a decorative pattern for a visually appealing finish.
- Prepare Topping: Mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle this cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top layer of apples to create a sweet, crunchy crust.
- Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the cake turns golden brown, the apples are tender, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally accompanied by whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or drizzle with caramel sauce for added indulgence.
Notes
- Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart flavor that complements the spices.
- Optional cardamom adds authentic Swedish flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- If you prefer, substitute sour cream for yogurt for a richer texture.
- The cake can be served warm or at room temperature and pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Ensure apples are sliced thinly and evenly to help them cook through during baking.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven before serving for best flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cake)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: Swedish apple cake, apple dessert, cinnamon apple cake, cardamom cake, autumn dessert, Swedish recipes